Source Pro Brisbane 2025 Program

Our one-day event on Friday 4 July features inspirational keynotes, expert panels, lived experiences, and hands-on learning that go beyond traditional professional development. Here’s the full program, and you can find out more about our line-up of speakers here.

8:00am to 8:30am	Welcome from host Caleb Rixon Address by Emma Price CEO, Founder Source Pro Address by Stage Sponsor, Leap in! Address by Keynote Sponsor, by Ontex
9.00am	Keynote Session: Breaking barriers and redefining possibilities with Karni Liddell
	Karni Liddell’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease and given little chance of survival, she defied every expectation—becoming a world-record-holding Paralympian, disability advocate, clinical social worker, and sought-after speaker. From breaking world records to leading the fight for the NDIS, Karni has dedicated her career to driving change. Her work in disability rights, inclusive employment, and domestic violence advocacy has transformed lives and challenged outdated perceptions. With passion, humour, and powerful storytelling, Karni’s keynote will inspire you to rethink inclusion, push boundaries, and create real opportunities for the next generation.
9.45am to 10.15am	From diagnosis to carer burnout – Supporting families every step of the way Rebecca Glover – Advocate, Founder and Inclusion Champion
	A diagnosis is just the beginning of a complex journey for families, often marked by uncertainty, emotional strain, and systemic barriers. This session features Rebecca Glover, who brings lived and professional expertise in advocacy, peer support, and inclusive communities. She’ll share insights on navigating rare diseases, strengthening family-professional partnerships, and preventing carer burnout. Gain an understanding of how you can create more effective, compassionate support systems that truly empower families throughout their journey.
10.15am to 10.45am	MORNING TEA
10.45am to 11.30am	Empowering Families: Advocacy, system navigation, and collaborative care Fiona Lawton – Disability Advocate & Sector Leader
	For allied health professionals and educators, understanding the unique challenges faced by families living with rare and complex disabilities is essential to delivering meaningful support. Fiona Lawton, Disability Advocacy Manager at Rare Voices Australia and President of the Angelman Syndrome Association Australia, brings both deep professional expertise and powerful lived experience as a parent and advocate. In this session, Fiona will share insights into system navigation, advocacy, and collaborative care—highlighting the importance of building trust, listening deeply, and working alongside families to improve outcomes. Her perspective will equip professionals with the tools to better support families facing rare and complex conditions.
11.30am to 12.00pm	Going beyond therapy and honing in on collaborative care Melissa Locke – Paediatric Physiotherapist & Global Health Leader Dr Katy Caynes – Speech Pathologist & Lecturer
	True impact in allied health goes beyond individual sessions—it’s built through collaborative, family-centred care. In this powerful session, Melissa Locke (renowned Physiotherapist and international leader in paediatric practice) and Dr Katy Caynes (Speech Pathologist, University of Southern Queensland) will explore how working in partnership with families, educators, and fellow professionals transforms outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. Drawing on decades of clinical, academic, and interprofessional experience, Melissa and Katy will share practical strategies, real-life examples, and system-level insights that highlight the value of shared goals, respectful communication, and empowering families as partners. This session will inspire allied health professionals to rethink their role—not just as therapists, but as collaborators, advocates, and changemakers.
12.00pm to 12.30pm	Raising the Bar: Innovation and engagement in allied health and education Justin Boulos – Occupational Therapist & Mobility Specialist Julie Taylor – Senior Assistive Tech Professional Dimitra Baveas – Special Education Teacher & Founder of MyBurrow
	It’s time to push the boundaries of traditional practice and lead the way in innovation across allied health and education. In this forward-thinking session, Justin Boulos (Occupational Therapist, ILS Kids), Julie Taylor (ILS Kids) and Dimitra Baveas (Educator and creator of My Burrow) will share groundbreaking strategies, emerging technologies, and creative approaches that are reshaping how professionals engage with families, schools, and communities. Discover how bold ideas and collaborative innovation can drive better outcomes, strengthen connections, and create truly inclusive and engaging experiences for the children and families we support. This session is for those ready to be leaders and changemakers in this space.
12.30pm to 1.15pm	LUNCH BREAK
1.15pm to 1.55pm	Neurodiversity affirming practice with children and young people Monique Mitchelson – Clinical Psychologist & Neurodiversity Advocate
	Join Monique Mitchelson, an Autistic and ADHDer Clinical Psychologist and co-director of Divergent Futures, for a powerful session on neurodiversity-affirming practice. Monique brings a wealth of lived experience and clinical insight, with a focus on making affirming approaches accessible, inclusive, and empowering for neurodivergent individuals. As co-host of the widely celebrated Neurodivergent Woman Podcast and co-author of the bestselling Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD, Monique is passionate about reshaping the narrative around neurodivergence. This session will provide practical strategies for educators and allied health professionals to create strengths-based, inclusive environments where neurodivergent children and young people can thrive as their authentic selves.
1.55pm to 2.25pm	Supporting Siblings: Understanding the impact of disability and providing meaningful support Jacqueline de Mamiel – Young Carer Advocate
	Siblings of children with disabilities often take on significant caring roles that shape their identity, relationships, and future. In this heartfelt session, Jacqueline de Mamiel, Young Carer Voice Lead at Little Dreamers Australia, shares her lived experience caring for her two brothers with disabilities and her mother during illness. Drawing on her personal journey and advocacy work, Jacqueline will explore the emotional and social impact of growing up as a young carer, and how families, educators, and allied health professionals can recognise, support, and empower siblings in caring roles. Learn how to ensure these young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
2.25pm to 2.30pm	PROGRAM CLOSE
2.30pm to 4.00pm	Source Disability Expo Walkthrough
	Discover 130+ disability product and service providers showcasing the latest in assistive technology, mobility, communication, aides, and equipment. This interactive walkthrough is a must for professionals looking to expand their knowledge and implement cutting-edge solutions into practice. Gain hands-on experience, connect with experts, and explore innovations that enhance support and independence!
4:00pm to 6:00pm	Networking Event Note: Additional costs apply to attend and can be added on upon booking.